New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

What is a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)?

The NZeTA is a digital travel authorisation required for eligible travellers before visiting New Zealand. It is electronically linked to your passport, meaning no physical visa or label is required

The NZeTA is not a visa. It is a travel authorisation required before boarding.

This authorisation is intended for short stays for tourism, visiting family or friends, limited business activities, or transit.

Most travellers are required to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) at the time of application, unless an exemption applies.

What does an NZeTA allow?

An approved NZeTA allows you to:

• Travel to New Zealand for tourism or holidays

• Visit family or friends

• Attend meetings, conferences, or other permitted business activities that do not involve employment in New Zealand

• Transit through New Zealand (typically via Auckland Airport) without entering the country, where eligible and subject to transit conditions

Most visitors are permitted to stay for up to three months per visit (up to six months for UK citizens). The final duration is determined by border officials upon arrival.

A valid NZeTA usually allows multiple entries during its validity period.

The NZeTA does not permit employment or long-term study.

Who can apply for an NZeTA?

You may be eligible to apply if you:

• Hold a passport from a visa waiver country

• Plan to visit or transit through New Zealand

• Are travelling for tourism, short business visits, or transit

• Meet health and character requirements

• Apply before travelling

• You may also be eligible if you are a citizen of China or a Pacific Islands Forum country travelling to New Zealand from Australia and hold an eligible Australian visa. Specific conditions apply, and eligibility must be confirmed before travelling.

Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances, including your nationality, travel history, and any applicable special eligibility arrangements. All information provided must be accurate and complete.

Who should not apply for an NZeTA?

An NZeTA may not be suitable if you:

• Hold a passport that is not eligible for visa waiver travel

• Intend to work in New Zealand

• Plan to study long-term or full-time

• Wish to stay beyond the permitted visitor period

• Require a visa based on your nationality or travel purpose

• Are travelling as airline or cruise ship crew and may require a different type of travel authority

In such cases, a different visa type may be required.

Permitted Activities and Restrictions

Permitted Activities

While in New Zealand with a valid NZeTA, you may:

• Travel for tourism or leisure

• Visit family or friends

• Attend meetings, conferences, or other permitted business activities that do not involve employment in New Zealand

• Participate in permitted unpaid business activities

All activities must match the purpose stated in your application.

Restrictions

You must not:

• Take part in paid employment

• Provide services to the public for payment

• Enrol in a study longer than three months

• Stay beyond the authorised period

• Use frequent or successive visits to effectively live in New Zealand

Failure to comply may affect future travel eligibility.

Validity and Length of Stay

An NZeTA is generally valid for up to two (2) years from the date of issue or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you may travel to New Zealand multiple times, provided each visit meets entry conditions.

Each visit usually allows a stay of up to three months (up to six months for UK citizens), subject to approval by border officials upon arrival.

Key Travel Conditions

NZeTA holders must:

• Travel using the passport linked to the NZeTA

• Follow the permitted length of stay granted on arrival

• Avoid engaging in paid work

• Limit study to a maximum of three months

• Have evidence of onward or return travel if requested

• Leave New Zealand before the authorised stay ends

Failure to follow these conditions may affect future travel.

How the Application Process Works

The NZeTA application is completed online. Once submitted, it is reviewed electronically. If approved, it is linked directly to your passport.

No physical document is issued, and you must travel using the same passport used during your application.

Common Reasons for Delays or Refusals

Applications may be delayed or refused if:

• Information is incomplete or incorrect

• Travel purpose does not meet requirements

• Previous travel conditions were not followed

• Additional checks are required based on background details

Careful preparation can help reduce avoidable delays.

Before You Travel

Before travelling to New Zealand:

• Confirm your NZeTA approval

• Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in New Zealand

• Ensure you have paid the IVL (if applicable)

• Understand your travel conditions

• Make sure your travel plans align with permitted activities

Final entry permission is determined by border officials upon arrival.

Important Reminder

Approval of an NZeTA does not guarantee entry. Border officers assess each traveller on arrival.

Why Choose Us

• Careful application support

• Clear and practical guidance

• Transparent and independent service

• Streamlined digital process

• Focused on short-term travel requirements